The Cleveland Cavaliers are absolutely rolling. The season is a long one, so it’s important not to get carried away by any five-game stretch, but the Cavs are on a five-game winning streak with wins over the Dallas Mavericks, Indiana Pacers, Utah Jazz and most recently the Milwaukee Bucks.
To say they have exceeded expectations this season would be an understatement. The latest victory over Milwaukee has them tied in the wins column with the Bucks and Celtics, and their +6.5 net rating is first in the entire NBA. They are first in SRS (which factors in their strength of schedule) and in adjusted-net rating. Simply put, the Cavs look like the best team in the NBA right now.
The Cleveland Cavaliers are exceeding expectations, as are a number of their players.
Basketball is a team game, but a team is made up of individuals who all must play together. If any single player doesn’t hold up their end of the bargain the lineup has a hole that could be too much for the others to make up for. On the other hand, players balling out and playing at their peak will elevate those around them.
Just as the team is exceeding expectations, so are many of the players on the roster as well. Earlier this week we handed out some awards, so let’s pivot and give a standing ovation to the roster’s best this season. We will highlight three Cavs players exceeding expectations this season, starting with the MVP candidate wearing wine and gold every night.